Dining out on a Dime: Joe's BBQ and a Quick Update

So sorry that I have been MIA for the last while.  If you didn't catch it, here is why.  It is probably why I was craving this, and wearing these all summer long.  It's all starting to make sense now!

Today I am actually feeling quite great (meaning I didn't spend the whole morning wrapped up in a ball on the couch while Landon caused mischief, and I threw in a load of laundry!).  Our house is in a current state of sadness, as all of the decor and most other things are packed up in boxes, ready for our move.  We close on our house this Thursday, and then the madness will begin!  We need to take down wallpaper, paint, and refinish the kitchen cabinets--just to name a few things on our "to-do" list.  But don't worry, I will try to take before and after pictures, because they are the greatest.  And I will definitely post on what we learned about refinishing cabinets, it's a big experiment for us. 

If you are needing a yummy place to eat out this weekend (I'm sure we won't have a very functional kitchen for a bit), then Joe's Real BBQ is a good place to try!  Now, it isn't the cheapest place, but Brett and I got out of there for less than $25, which included lots of good meat, sides, and the biggest rootbeer float I ever did see (with homemade rootbeer, no less).  It is a fun, family-friendly place that has a great atmosphere and seriously good food.  It is a "seat yourself" cafeteria-style set-up that is laid back and fun.

Brett and I each ordered a sandwich this time.  Mine was a bit smaller and had one meat on it.  Brett's was a larger one with two choices of meat on it.  Both of them came with 2 sides.  We love the macaroni and cheese, and the baked beans!  I also really like their main course baked potatoes, cause they come with a heaping bit of meat on it, and it is oh-so-good.  When Brett wants to splurge, he goes with the sampler plate, which has a lot of meat on it!  Writing this post has my mouth watering...I might need to plan this for a date night soon.  

Another great thing about Joe's BBQ, is it is the best place to go for your birthday.  They give you $10 towards a free meal, just show your ID.  You can easily get a full meal on less than $10, or splurge and pay a couple dollars difference.  Now that is frugal!

Landon sporting his Joe's hat

This is the size of the rootbeer float!  Plus, you get unlimited free refills on rootbeer--if you can manage it!

Trust me, this kid eats like a king when he goes out to dinner with us.  He grunts for the pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce, the mac-n-cheese, and the baked beans!

He just happened to be wearing his John Deere onesie, so we couldn't pass up the photo-op with their fun decor!

This place is in the heart of downtown Gilbert, so if you go when there is nice weather, then walk around and enjoy the fun area too!  BBQ is one of my favorite kinds of foods to order out at a restaurant!

Family Fun: A Donut Outing

Whew!  Sorry I wasn't super active in the blogging world last week.  I got a bad case of the stomach flu that really wiped me out.  But now I am doing much better, so the blogging can continue!  This week I will add a couple more ideas for some budget-friendly family fun. 

Have you ever been to Bosa Donuts?  We have one nearby, and they have some seriously delicious donuts! A couple Saturdays ago, we decided to take a morning bike ride over there and get a donut, and some donut holes (for Landon...ahem) for breakfast.

I loved it so much it might become a tradition every so often on Saturday mornings...not such a great idea for the waistline though!

And if you want to see how adorable Landon looks in his little bike helmet, you can check the picture in this post!

Dining Out on a Dime: Casa Ramos

I had a fun and productive weekend canning!  Hope you had a good one.  I'll show you what we did this weekend, in a future post--coming up soon! 

We love to eat out, but if you aren't careful it can add up fast!  Typically we eat out places that maybe are quicker or don't have waiters/waitresses (i.e., less expensive).  But sometimes it is nice to sit back and have someone continually top off your water and serve you your food!  So when we are in the mood for that, and some good Mexican food, we head on over to...

...Casa Ramos.  It is on Main Street in Mesa.  It is reasonably priced, the staff are over-the-top nice, and it is delicious!  Bonus: It is also open late!

When you are seated, they bring you a bowl of tortilla chips and some roasted tomato salsa.  If you aren't careful, you get full from that!  Because we get the chips and salsa, we opt to share a combo meal (I think we normally get #19).  Our combo meal comes with a burrito, taco, and enchilada (your choice of meat in each--we love their shredded beef!), and a side of rice and beans.  So good!  

Last time we went, we made it out of there for $15, including tip!  Not too bad for delicious Mexican food, and great service where you are seated and waited on.  

Have you ever been to Casa Ramos?  Where is your favorite place to eat out that is budget friendly?